Taking a few minutes to answer important questions before purchasing payroll software will save years of headaches afterward. Have you considered all these options and features that you might need?

Whether you're starting up a new company, making the jump from books to computer, or looking for replacement payroll software, it's important to get payroll software that is going to do everything you need it to and fit the needs of your company. Here are 15 questions to ask about any payroll software you are considering purchasing for your company. When you have answers to all these questions, you'll easily be able to identify the right payroll software.

1. Does this software have current tax information for your state?2. Does this software have flexibility to add local tax info?3. Will you need to options for pre-tax and/or post-tax deductions?4. Will you be printing on blank checks or checks preprinted with your company and bank info?5. Do you want to print signature images on checks or sign checks by hand?6. Which tax forms will you need to print using your payroll data? i.e. Form 940, 941, W2, 1099, etc.7. Does this software support your payroll period, i.e. daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly?8. Will you need to be able to calculate tips and or commissions?9. Does this software support printing for the check format you prefer?10. Does the software offer year-to-date payroll data entry?11. What level of technical support does the software developer offer?12. Will you need to do payroll for more than one company?13. Does this software have a trial version you can test drive?14. Are there any hidden fees?15. Are database back-up and restore features included?

Answering these questions will help you identify software titles that are likely to work well for your company. Taking extra time before you buy to get the features you need, will save you time and money while reducing frustration down the road.

One software title that includes a variety of options for all these situations is ezPaycheck 2010 from Halfpricesoft.com. ezPaycheck is available for a free 30-day trial to ensure that it has the features your company needs before ever paying a dime. It's available for download at